Exercise machine and method for performing an exercise

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine of the treadmill type comprises a motor ( 5 ) connected to a belt ( 3 ) and able to be activated for driving the belt, an actuator ( 6 ) associated with the belt ( 3 ) for angling it, an interface ( 7 ) designed to allow the user ( 100 ) to set a basic pair of values relating to predetermined operating parameters and corresponding to a machine operating configuration. The machine also comprises a processor ( 8 ) programmed to derive a user ( 100 ) oxygen consumption value depending on the basic pair of values and for calculating, the oxygen consumption value being equal, at least one alternative pair of values which involves lower energy consumption by the motor ( 5 ) compared with the basic pair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an exercise machine, preferably of thetreadmill type, and a method for performing an exercise, preferablyusing said machine.

This invention is applied in particular in the sector of fitness and gymequipment.

There are prior art exercise machines comprising a belt trained aroundat least two revolving rollers and forming an exercise platform for auser, allowing the user to walk or run on the spot, commonly known astreadmills.

Such machines are equipped with a motor for driving at least one of therollers, for driving the belt at a predetermined speed, usually selectedin advance by the user by means of an interface located in front of him.

Moreover, more high-tech treadmills are equipped with an actuatorassociated with the belt for angling it relative to the horizontalplane, so that the user has the sensation of running uphill.

Even the inclination parameter (i.e.: the angle of inclination) can beset by the user with the above-mentioned interface, which is normallydesigned to perform many functions, both controlling the machine, andproviding the user with entertainment while he exercises.

Consequently, in prior art machines, the user can act independently onthe belt movement speed and/or incline depending on his level oftiredness or the training goal.

Disadvantageously, the prior art machines described above haveparticularly high energy consumption, especially for operatingconfigurations involving high speed and a low belt incline.

In fact, a high belt speed corresponds to high energy consumption by themotor associated with it.

However, said disadvantage is accentuated both by the current economicand environmental situations.

In particular for gyms, which are supplied with a large number of thesemachines, the disadvantage in economic terms has a considerable effecton internal budgets.

The aim of this invention is to provide an exercise machine and a methodfor performing an exercise which overcome the above-mentioneddisadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In particular, the aim of this invention is to provide an exercisemachine which allows the possibility of choosing a type of training withlimited energy consumption.

Said aim is fulfilled by the exercise machine according to thisinvention, comprising:

-   -   a belt trained around at least two revolving rollers to form an        exercise platform for a user 100, allowing the user to walk or        run on the spot;    -   a motor connected to at least one of the rollers and able to be        activated to drive the belt;    -   an actuator associated with the belt to angle the exercise        platform relative to a machine supporting surface by rotation        about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers;    -   an interface designed to allow the user to set a basic pair (or        combination) of values for parameters consisting of a belt        movement speed and an exercise platform incline; said basic pair        of values defining a corresponding basic operating configuration        of the machine;    -   a processor associated with the motor and with the actuator for        controlling them and connected to the interface for receiving        the basic pair of values set.

According to this invention, the machine is characterized in that itcomprises a processor programmed for:

-   -   estimating a value of a parameter representative of the exercise        intensity (preferably oxygen consumption in the unit of time,        which the user would consume while performing the exercise) with        the machine in a basic operating configuration, depending on the        basic pair of values,    -   deriving at least one alternative pair of values for the        parameters, different to said basic pair of values and        corresponding to an exercise intensity (oxygen consumption)        equal to the estimated value and to an energy consumption by the        machine motor lower than that corresponding to the basic pair of        values, the interface being designed to allow the user to select        a machine operating configuration corresponding to said at least        one alternative pair of values, thus allowing the processor to        control the motor and the actuator depending on the operating        configuration selected.

Moreover, the aim of this invention is to provide a method forperforming an exercise using an exercise machine which limits its energyconsumption.

According to this invention, that aim is fulfilled by the method forperforming an exercise using an exercise machine comprising a beltforming an exercise platform for a user and trained around at least tworevolving rollers driven by a motor, allowing the user to walk or run onthe spot, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

-   -   setting a basic pair of values for parameters consisting of a        belt movement speed and an exercise platform incline;    -   estimating a value of a parameter representative of the exercise        intensity (preferably oxygen consumption in the unit of time,        which the user would consume while performing the exercise) with        the machine in the basic operating configuration;    -   deriving at least one alternative pair of values for the        parameters, different to the basic pair and corresponding to an        exercise intensity (oxygen consumption) equal to the estimated        value and to an energy consumption by the motor lower than that        corresponding to the basic pair of values;    -   selection by the user of a machine operating configuration        corresponding to said at least one pair of values;    -   setting the machine in the corresponding operating        configuration.

Preferably, the method of the invention allows the user to input desiredvalues (in absolute or relative terms) of the energy consumption by themotor, whereby the machine is set to a pair of values which correspondto the input value of energy consumption and to said estimated value ofexercise intensity.

Preferably, said at least one alternative pair of values for theparameters derived is displayed together with information about theenergy consumption by the motor corresponding to said pair of values;hence, the user is allowed to perform the selection taking into accountthe energy consumption by the motor.

Preferably, the exercise machine of the invention has an interfaceconfigured for allowing the user to input desired values (in absolute orrelative terms) of the energy consumption by the motor; the processor isprogrammed for setting to a pair of values which correspond to saidinput value of energy consumption and to said estimated value ofexercise intensity.

Preferably, said interface is configured for displaying informationabout the energy consumption by the motor corresponding to said derivedat least one alternative pair of values for the parameters, whereby theuser is allowed to perform the selection taking into account the energyconsumption by the motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This and other features of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of theexercise machine, shown purely by way of example, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exercise machine according to thisinvention;

FIGS. 2 to 5 are views of the machine interface of FIG. 1 in successiveoperating modes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The exercise machine 1 comprises a supporting frame 2 with a base 2 aresting on the floor and a portion 2 b for supporting a user 100.

The base 2 a rests on a supporting surface “A” for the machine 1,preferably horizontal.

Along the base 2 a there is preferably a belt 3 trained around at leasttwo revolving rollers 4, each roller revolving about its own axis ofrotation.

More precisely, the belt 3 can slide around the rollers 4 in such a wayas to form an endless moving surface, or exercise platform 3 a.

In other words, the machine 1 is of the treadmill type.

Preferably, the two rollers 4 rotate about axes of rotation which areparallel and are aligned in a machine 1 exercise direction “B”.

Consequently, the machine comprises a front roller 4 a and a rear roller4 b.

In particular, the portion of belt 3 which extends between the tworollers 4 forms the exercise platform 3 a for the user 100, allowing theuser to walk or run on the spot.

The exercise platform 3 a forms an exercise surface “C” on which theuser 100 can walk or run.

Preferably, the belt 3 is made of material with a high frictioncoefficient (anti-slip), so as to allow optimum grip between the sole ofthe user's foot and the exercise platform during the exercise.

The machine 1 comprises driving means associated with the belt 3 fordriving its movement and/or moving it in space.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises a motor 5 connected to at leastone of the rollers 4 and able to be activated to drive the belt 3.

The motor 5 can be activated to drive the rotation of theabove-mentioned roller 4 (or both rollers) at a predetermined speed, soas to allow the user 100 to walk or run at a predetermined walking orrunning speed.

Preferably, the motor 5 is of the electric type.

In other words, the motor 5 is connected to the mains power supply todraw from the latter the power it needs in order to operate.

Consequently, an increase in the speed of the rollers 4 corresponds toan increase in motor 5 energy consumption.

It should be noticed that the motor 5 energy consumption corresponds tothe power that the motor 5 draws from the mains (hereinafter referred toas absorbed power).

The machine 1 also comprises an actuator 6 associated with the belt 4 toangle the exercise platform 3 a relative to a surface “A” supporting themachine 1, by rotation about an axis parallel with the axes of rotationof the rollers 4.

In other words, the actuator 6 lifts one roller 4 relative to the other(the front roller 4 a relative to the rear roller 4 b), keeping the axesof rotation parallel with each other to simulate an upward slope.

Consequently, the exercise surface “C” can be angled relative to thesurface “A” supporting the machine 1, allowing the user 100 the mostdiverse exercising possibilities.

The actuator 6 acts on the belt 3, making it rotate, or simply liftingthe front roller 4 a and obtaining a rotation of the exercise platform 3a about the rear roller 4 a.

Alternatively, the lifting may occur by means of rototranslation, thatis to say, movement of the rear roller along the horizontal plane andthe front roller along the vertical plane (or an angled plane).

Preferably, the actuator 6 is associated with the front roller 4 a insuch a way as to provide a stable support for the belt 3 even when theexercise platform 3 a is set at an angle.

The actuator 6 may be of the linear or curved type.

In the embodiment illustrated, the actuator 6 is positioned at the frontroller 4 a and has a substantially vertical operating direction.

It should be noticed that, in the embodiment illustrated, the entirebelt 3 is angled relative to the supporting surface “A”.

However, in alternative embodiments, a system of rollers and returndevices could be used to allow angling only for the exercise platform.

In the embodiment illustrated, the actuator 6 is of thehydraulic/pneumatic type.

In alternative embodiments, the actuator may be of the electric orelectromechanical type.

To allow the user 100 to interact with the many machine 1 functions, themachine 1 comprises an interface 7 positioned in front of (or at theside of) a user 100 exercising position (that is to say, a positionadopted by the user 100 while exercising).

In this way, the user 100 can easily reach the interface 7 even duringthe most demanding exercises.

More precisely, the interface 7 is positioned at a height at which it isparticularly easy to reach and view.

In the embodiment illustrated, the interface 7 is immediately in frontof the front roller 4 a, at a height greater than that of the frontroller.

Preferably, the interface 7 comprises a display 7 b (or screen) and acontrol panel, more preferably a touch-screen.

Alternatively, the control panel may be a keyboard which is separatefrom the screen 7 b.

The interface 7 comprises a data entry module 7 a designed to allow theuser 100 to enter a plurality of data useful for performing the exercise(that is to say, operating parameters).

Preferably, the interface 7 is designed to allow the user 100 to set abasic pair (or combination) of values relating to predeterminedoperating parameters and corresponding to a machine 1 operatingconfiguration.

The term “operating configuration” refers to the machine operating modecomprising the incline and movement speed set.

The expression “basic pair” refers to a couple of values, eachassociated with a respective parameter, entered by the user 100 at thestart of the exercise session or the single exercise.

Said parameters preferably comprise the user 100 walking or runningspeed and the incline of the exercise platform 3 a (that is to say, anangle α of inclination for it).

More precisely, the interface 7 (or the data entry module) is designedto receive from the user 100 data about the desired walking or runningspeed.

Said desired walking or running speed ideally corresponds to a speed, inthe opposite direction, of movement (that is to say, sliding) of thebelt 3 during the exercise.

Consequently, hereinafter reference is made to one or the other with thesame meaning, unless expressly otherwise indicated.

Moreover, the interface 7 (or the data entry module) is designed toallow the user 100 to set the desired incline of the exercise platform 3a.

That incline may be expressed as an angle α relative to the horizontalplane (that is to say, the supporting surface “A”) or, preferably, as apercentage gradient of the exercise platform.

It should be noticed that hereinafter, for simplicity, reference is madeto the belt 3 incline rather than the exercise platform 3 a incline,since that is more intuitive and in line with the embodimentillustrated.

Therefore, the interface 7 is associated both with the motor 5 (forsetting its speed) and with the actuator 6 (for setting its extension orrotation), preferably by means of a suitable processor 8.

The above-mentioned processor 8 is in fact set up to receive the datafrom the interface 7 and is designed to process them so as to controlthe driving means.

In other words, the processor 8 is associated with the motor 5 and withthe actuator 6 for controlling them.

Therefore, the processor 8 is set up to receive data about the walkingor running speed and the incline (angle α) set by the user 100 and it isdesigned to set (or activate) the motor 5 and/or the actuator 6accordingly.

In other words, the processor 8 is connected to the interface forreceiving data representative of the basic pair of values set.

According to this invention, the machine 1 can be selectively switchedbetween an energy saving mode and a standard mode.

For that purpose, the machine 1 comprises a switching unit 14 which canbe selected by the user 100 for setting the machine 1 either to theenergy saving mode or to the standard mode.

The switching unit 14 may be integrated in the interface 7 or it may bepositioned separately from it.

In spite of that, the interface 7 and the switching unit 14 areassociated since setting the standard mode rather than the energy savingmode involves a variation in the interface 7 (that is to say, what theinterface 7 displays for the user 100).

In the standard mode, the processor 8 is simply set up to receive thebasic pair of values (belt 3 speed and exercise platform 3 a incline)and is designed to set the motor 5 and the actuator 6 accordingly, thatis to say, in such a way that the motor drives the belt 3 at the speedset and translates the actuator 6 by an amount such that it provides theexercise platform with the gradient (or incline) set.

In contrast, in the energy saving mode, the processor is programmed toderive a value of a parameter representative of the exercise intensity,with the machine 1 in the basic operating configuration, depending onthe basic pair of values.

Preferably, said parameter representative of the exercise intensitycorresponds to oxygen consumption in the unit of time.

However, said parameter may also be other measurements, provided thatthey are representative (that is to say, correlated with) the exerciseintensity, or the intensity of the physical activity of the user whileexercising. For example, the parameter could be calories burned in theunit of time (as an alternative to or in combination with oxygenconsumption).

It should be noticed that calories burned differs from oxygenconsumption substantially in terms of a weight factor (i.e.: the weightof the user) with which oxygen consumption is not related.

For that reason, the parameter representative of the exercise intensityis preferably oxygen consumption, so that there is no need for a weightsensor or for the user to set his weight before exercising.

Therefore, in the following description reference is only made to oxygenconsumption, without thereby limiting the scope of the invention.

Therefore, having set the desired operating configuration (i.e.: thebelt 3 movement speed and the exercise platform 3 a incline) theprocessor derives (that is to say, calculates) the quantity of oxygenabsorbed in the unit of time by the user 100 during the exercise.

That absorption is commonly known as VO2 (where “V” is the symbol forvolume, “O2” for oxygen) and it is higher the more strenuous theexercise is, because the body reacts to greater physical stress byabsorbing more oxygen so as to maintain high performance levels.

It should be noticed that the expression “oxygen consumption” usuallymeans (in this text) a value irrespective of the time spent exercising,that is to say, in the unit of time.

However, in alternative embodiments the oxygen consumption could becalculated as an overall value for the exercise, that is to say, alsodepending on the exercising time desired by the user.

However, it should be noticed that the evaluations below relating tooxygen consumption in the unit of time may refer in equal measure tooverall oxygen consumption for the exercise by means of simplemathematical operations which include the time spent exercising amongstthe input parameters.

The processor 8 is also programmed to calculate, said oxygen consumptionvalue being equal, at least one alternative pair (or combination) ofvalues relating to the same parameters, corresponding to a respectivemachine 1 operating configuration (alternative operating configuration)which involves lower energy consumption by the motor 5 compared with thebasic pair.

Preferably, the processor 8 is programmed to calculate, said oxygenconsumption value being equal, a plurality of alternative pairs (orcombinations) of values relating to the same parameters, eachcorresponding to a respective machine 1 alternative operatingconfiguration which involves lower energy consumption by the motor 5compared with the basic pair.

In other words, the processor 8 is programmed to supply the user 100with one or more alternative operating configurations which allow energysaving, that is to say, a reduction in the motor absorbed power, withthe same training in the exercise session.

The above-mentioned alternative pairs are formed by a value relating tothe belt 3 movement speed and a value relating to the exercise platform3 a incline.

In particular, the alternative pairs calculated by the processor 8 havea lower walking or running speed and a higher exercise platform 3 aincline compared with the basic pair set.

In fact, as already indicated, the motor 5 is directly responsible fordriving the belt 3, and consequently the motor energy consumption isdirectly proportional to the belt 3 movement speed.

However, a simple reduction in speed would involve not just a reductionin motor 5 energy consumption, but also a reduction in VO2 (oxygenconsumption).

With regard to that, it should be noticed that with an increase in thegradient (or incline of the exercise platform 3 a) the exercise becomesmore difficult, requiring a higher VO2.

As a result, to reduce motor 5 energy consumption while keeping theoxygen consumption in the unit of time unchanged, it is necessary toreduce the belt 3 movement speed while at the same time increasing theexercise platform 3 a incline.

According to the invention, the interface 7 is designed to allow theuser 100 to select the machine (alternative) operating configurationcorresponding to the alternative pair (or to the alternative pairs) ofvalues.

Preferably, the interface 7 is designed to display the alternative pairor alternative pairs to the user 100.

The processor 8 is programmed to calculate the alternative pairs ofvalues depending on predetermined percentage reductions in motor 5energy consumption compared with the energy consumption generated by thebasic pair.

Advantageously, the interface 7 is designed to display the alternativepairs to the user 100, correlating them with the respective (percentage)reduction in energy consumption.

In the embodiment illustrated, the interface 7 presents the user 100with the alternative pairs which involve an energy saving of 20%, 30%and 40%.

However, it is possible to program the interface to display any pair forany energy saving compatible with the basic combination set by the user100.

The term compatible refers to the fact that, if the basic pair requiresa particularly high gradient or particularly low speed, the processorwill automatically tend to exclude from the alternative pairs thosecomprising gradient/speed values prohibitive for the user or relating tooperating configurations which cannot be achieved by the machine 1.

For example, the processor 8 is programmed to keep the walking orrunning speed preferably outside (far from) a range of between 6.5 km/hand 7.5 km/h since in that range it is not clear if the user must berunning or walking (with significant repercussions on the actual VO2value).

With regard to that, the interface 7 (and in particular the display 7 b)comprises an icon 9 associated with each of the alternative pairs ofvalues derived by the processor.

Said icons 9 can be selected by the user 100 to control (preferably bymeans of the processor 8) the actuator 6 and the motor 5 so as to bringthe machine 1 into the operating configuration corresponding to theselected alternative pair.

In particular, a first icon 9 a is correlated with a 20% energy saving,a second icon 9 b is correlated with a 30% energy saving and a thirdicon 9 c is correlated with a 40% energy saving.

Preferably, the interface also comprises a fourth icon 9 d correlatedwith the basic pair of parameters set by the user 100.

Therefore, the interface 7 is associated (by means of the processor 8)with the actuator 6 and with the motor 5.

In fact, once the user 100 has selected the preferred alternativecombination (using the corresponding icon 9), the interface sends(preferably by means of the processor 8 or by means of a special controlunit) the motor 5 and the actuator 6 signals representative of the belt3 movement speed (that is to say, the motor 5 operating speed) and theexercise platform 3 a incline (that is to say, the extension of theactuator 6).

Preferably, the processor 8 is programmed to calculate a trend (that isto say, substantially continuous operation) of the exercise platform 3 aincline value depending on the reduction in the speed of the belt 3.

In other words, the processor 8 correlates the gradient and speedparameters substantially continuously.

As a result, for each belt 3 movement speed value (and therefore eachmotor 5 energy consumption value), the processor 8 can calculate thecorresponding exercise platform 3 a gradient value which keeps theoxygen consumption unchanged.

In light of this, the machine 1 (in particular the interface 7)comprises a tuning module 10 which can be used by the user 100, whileexercising, to vary the energy consumption of the motor 5 between amaximum value, at which the values of the operating parameterscorrespond to those of the basic pair, and a minimum value at which, theuser 100 oxygen consumption in the unit of time being equal, the inclineof the exercise platform 3 a has a predetermined maximum value.

For that purpose, the processor 8 is designed to receive said motor 5energy consumption value set by the user 100, for calculating thecorresponding pair of values of the parameters and controlling the motor5 and the actuator 6 accordingly.

In other words, the tuning module 10 can be used by the user 100, whileexercising, to control the energy consumption of the motor 5 between aminimum energy saving configuration, in which the values of theoperating parameters correspond to those of the basic combination, and amaximum energy saving configuration, at which the combination of valuesis such that, the user oxygen consumption being equal, the powerabsorbed by the motor is minimized.

More precisely, the tuning module 10 is designed to allow the user 100to continuously vary the energy saving value between two limits.

The tuning module 10 is associated with the processor 8 in such a waythat with each variation in the motor 5 energy consumption (set by theuser using the tuning module 10), the processor 8 calculates acorresponding pair of belt 3 incline and speed values which keeps theuser 100 oxygen consumption (that is to say, VO2) unchanged.

Moreover, the tuning module 10 is connected to the motor 5 and to theactuator 6 for controlling them depending on the energy savingconfiguration set.

In other words, the tuning module 10 is associated with the motor 5 andwith the actuator 6 (by means of the processor 8) for setting themachine 1 operating configuration in real time after the variation setby the user for the motor energy consumption 5 by means of the tuningmodule 10.

For example, the tuning module 10 comprises a lever or a push-buttonpanel positioned on the machine 1 frame, preferably close to theinterface 7.

However, preferably, the tuning module 10 is associated with (and morepreferably included in) the interface 7 display 7 b and comprises aspecial icon on the touch screen or a special key.

The processor 8 is programmed to (continuously) correlate all of theoperating parameters described above, that is to say, the user 100walking or running speed or belt movement speed 3, the belt 3 exerciseplatform 3 a incline, the motor energy saving and the user 100 oxygenconsumption.

Advantageously, in this way, if there is a variation in each of saidparameters the corresponding values of the remaining parameters areavailable.

With regard to that, the interface 7 comprises a plurality of controlelements 11, each associated with a respective parameter, which can bedisplayed during the exercise and selected by the user 100 forselectively setting the value of the respective parameter.

Advantageously, that allows the user 100 to set the value of a firstparameter (or fixed parameter) as required and at the same time to varythe value of a second parameter (or guide parameter), obtaining thesimultaneous display of the corresponding variation of the values of theremaining parameters.

More precisely, the processor 8 is programmed to determine the value ofthe other parameters depending on the fixed parameter and the guideparameter set by the user 100 and to set the machine 1 to thecorresponding operating configuration.

For example, the user 100 can, during the exercise, set a desired energysaving value (preferably a percentage) and vary the exercise platform 3a incline, increasing the oxygen consumption to make the exercise morechallenging.

Alternatively, the user 100 can set a desired belt 3 incline value,since he does not think he can exceed that value.

Also, the user 100 can set the oxygen consumption value, varying thebelt 3 speed or incline.

Advantageously, in this way the user 100 has full control of theoperating and energy consumption parameters and can manage them asdesired.

In the preferred embodiment, the control elements 11 form a controlpanel 12 which can be displayed on the interface 7 screen during theexercise or alternatively can be reduced to an icon.

In particular, a first control element 11 a is correlated with the belt3 movement speed, a second control element 11 b is correlated with theexercise platform 3 a gradient, a third control element 11 c iscorrelated with the user 100 oxygen consumption and a fourth controlelement 11 d is correlated with the motor energy saving.

It should be noticed that in such a case the fourth control element 11 dcorresponds to the tuning module 10.

Preferably, the processor 8 is also programmed for calculating,depending on the values of the parameters of the alternative pair set(gradient and speed), a value for the power saved by the motor comparedwith the corresponding energy consumption determined by the basiccombination of values.

In other words, the processor 8 is designed to calculate both the motor5 instantaneous absorbed power (or energy consumed during the exercise)and the hypothetical motor 5 absorbed power (energy consumed) if theuser 100 had decided to stick to the basic pair of values that wasinitially set.

At the same time, the processor 8 calculates the difference (in absoluteand/or percentage terms) between the above-mentioned two values andsends a signal representative of that difference to the interface 7,which is designed to display the energy saving value for the user 100 tosee.

Moreover, the processor 8 is programmed to calculate, depending on thevalues of the parameters of the alternative combination set, a valuerepresentative of the amount of the carbon dioxide saving (i.e.: notemitted) after setting the alternative combination, compared with theamount of carbon dioxide that would hypothetically have been emittedinto the environment if the basic combination had been set.

In other words, and similarly to what was already indicated, theprocessor 8 calculates the difference (in absolute and/or percentageterms) between the value of carbon dioxide emitted in actual operatingconditions and the value of carbon dioxide that would hypotheticallyhave been emitted into the environment if the user 100 had decided tostick to the basic combination of values that was initially set.

The processor 8 also sends a signal representative of that difference tothe interface 7, which is designed to display to the user 100 the valueof carbon dioxide not emitted into the environment thanks to setting theenergy saving mode.

In the embodiment illustrated, the interface 7 comprises a display box15 which makes available to the user 100 the above-mentioned savingvalues (energy and carbon dioxide).

Advantageously, the real-time display of energy saving and reducedenvironmental impact of the exercise stimulates the user 100 to makegreater use of the energy saving mode offered by the machine 1.

Moreover, preferably, the processor 8 is designed to receive as an inputthe duration of the exercise (or a signal representative of the time)and to calculate, depending on said duration, the motor 5 energy savingvalue and/or the carbon dioxide saving value for the exercise, formaking said value calculated available to the user.

More preferably, the processor 8 is programmed to add together the motor5 energy saving value and/or the carbon dioxide saving value for theexercise with a corresponding overall motor 5 energy saving value and/orcarbon dioxide saving value for the previous exercises, for updating theoverall value at the end of each exercise.

For that purpose, the interface 7 is designed to display to each user100 at the end of each exercise (or exercise session) the overall motor5 energy saving value and/or the overall carbon dioxide saving value.

Therefore, the machine 1 comprises a memory 13 designed to record theoverall motor 5 energy saving value and/or the overall carbon dioxidesaving value in successive exercise sessions by the same user 100 ordifferent users.

More precisely, the memory 13 is associated with the processor 8 forreceiving the energy and carbon dioxide saving values at the end of eachexercise, for adding them together to obtain the overall values forenergy saving (and carbon dioxide not emitted) during the machine 1lifetime (or during a predetermined period of time, for example one day,one week or one month).

Moreover, the memory 13 is designed to provide the processor 8 with saidoverall value in such a way that the processor 8 can add to the overallsaving value of the previous sessions the instantaneous saving value ofthe exercise in progress.

In light of this, the interface 7 is designed to display to each user100 during each exercise session the overall motor 5 energy saving valueand/or the overall value of carbon dioxide not emitted.

The expression “overall value” therefore refers to the sum of the energysaving (and carbon dioxide not emitted) values of the machine 1 thanksto the energy saving mode during its lifetime.

Advantageously, that makes the user aware of the environmentaleffectiveness of the energy saving mode.

This invention also relates to a method for performing an exercise usingthe exercise machine 1, comprising the steps of setting a desired basicpair of operating parameters; the parameters comprising a walking orrunning speed and an exercise platform 3 a incline, and deriving theuser 100 oxygen consumption value depending on said basic combination ofparameters.

More precisely, the method also comprises the step of estimating theoxygen consumption value in the unit of time, which the user 100 wouldconsume by performing an exercise with the machine 1 in the basicoperating configuration, depending on the basic pair of values.

In other words, it comprises a step of calculating, said oxygenconsumption value being equal, a plurality of alternative combinationsof values each corresponding to a respective machine operatingconfiguration which involves lower energy consumption by the motor 5compared with the basic combination.

Moreover, the method comprises deriving at least one alternative pair ofvalues for the parameters, different to the basic pair and correspondingto an oxygen consumption equal to the estimated value and to an energyconsumption by the motor 5 lower than that corresponding to the basicpair of values.

More precisely, the method comprises deriving a plurality of alternativeoperating configurations which allow energy saving, that is to say, areduction in the motor absorbed power, with the same training in theexercise session.

After that, the user 100 selects a machine operating configurationcorresponding to one of the pairs of values and the machine is set tothe corresponding operating configuration.

Preferably, the alternative combinations are displayed for the user 100who can select the preferred alternative combination.

The method described above may be implemented at the start of anexercise session or during said session.

For that purpose, the method may comprise the following steps betweenthe step of setting the basic pair of operating parameters and the stepof deriving the user 100 oxygen consumption value:

-   -   user 100 performance of the exercise in a standard mode        according to the basic pair of values set;    -   presentation to the user of an energy saving mode which involves        lower energy consumption by the motor 5 compared with the basic        combination;    -   user 100 selection of the energy saving mode.

Advantageously, that allows the user to arbitrarily decide when toperform the exercise in energy saving mode.

Moreover, the method according to this invention comprises thepossibility of varying the operating parameters continuously during thesession.

In particular, the method comprises a step of displaying during theexercise the values relating to a plurality of parameters, including theuser 100 walking or running speed (or belt 3 movement speed), theexercise platform 3 a incline, the motor 5 energy saving and the user100 oxygen consumption.

During the exercise, the user 100 can select a first of said parametersas the fixed parameter, the value of that parameter selected remainingconstant in subsequent calculations.

The user 100 can also set a second of said parameters, thus defining acontrol parameter.

In real time, a processor 8 calculates the value of the remainingparameters depending on the value of the fixed parameter and on thevalue set for the control parameter.

In other words, the method comprises calculation (by a suitableprocessor) of the corresponding values of the remaining parametersdepending on the instantaneous value of the first and second parameters.

Preferably, setting of the machine 1 in the operating configurationcorresponding to the parameter values set and calculated occurs in realtime.

Advantageously, that allows the user 100 to have full control of hisexercise and the parameters associated with it.

The invention achieves the preset aims and brings important advantages.

In fact the machine according to this invention allows a reduction inmotor energy consumption (and the consequent pollution) by suggesting tothe user a plurality of solutions which are moreenvironmentally-friendly but equally effective in terms of training.

Advantageously, by means of the interface, the machine 1 informs theuser of how much energy can be saved with the configuration he selected.

Moreover, the possibility of continuously varying the parameters duringthe exercise allows variation of the type of exercise, while leaving theoxygen consumption unchanged, making the exercise not just moreenvironmentally-friendly, but also more enjoyable and varied.

1) An exercise machine comprising: a belt (3) trained around at leasttwo revolving rollers (4) to form an exercise platform (3 a) for a user(100), allowing the user (100) to walk or run on the spot; a motor (5)connected to at least one of the rollers (4) and able to be activated todrive the belt (3); an actuator (6) associated with the belt (3) toincline the exercise platform (3 a) relative to a surface (A) supportingthe machine (1), by rotation about an axis parallel with the axes ofrotation of the rollers (4); an interface (7) designed to allow the user(100) to set a basic pair of values for parameters consisting of a belt(3) movement speed and an exercise platform (3 a) incline; said basicpair of values defining a corresponding basic operating configuration ofthe machine; a processor (8) associated with the motor (5) and with theactuator (6) for controlling them and connected to the interface (7) forreceiving the basic pair of values set, wherein the processor (8) isprogrammed for: estimating a value of a parameter representative of theexercise intensity, with the machine (1) in the basic operatingconfiguration, depending on the basic pair of values; deriving at leastone alternative pair of values for the parameters, different to saidbasic pair of values and corresponding to an exercise intensity equal tothe estimated value and to an energy consumption by the motor (5) lowerthan an energy consumption corresponding to the basic pair of values,the interface being designed to allow the user (100) to select anoperating configuration of the machine corresponding to said at leastone alternative pair of values, thus allowing the processor to controlthe motor (5) and the actuator (6) depending on the operatingconfiguration selected. 2) The exercise machine according to claim 1,wherein the at least one alternative pair of values derived has a lowerwalking or running speed and a higher exercise platform (3 a) inclinecompared with the basic pair set. 3) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface is designed to display to the user (100)said at least one alternative pair of values and/or a valuerepresentative of an energy saving of the motor (5) corresponding tosaid at least one alternative pair. 4) The exercise machine according toclaim 3, wherein the interface (7) comprises a display defining aplurality of icons (9) associated with a corresponding plurality ofalternative pairs of values of the parameters and/or with acorresponding plurality of motor (5) energy saving values correspondingto said alternative pairs; each icon (9) being selectable by the user(100) for controlling the actuator (6) and the motor (5) so as to bringthe machine (1) into the operating configuration corresponding to thealternative pair of values and/or to the energy saving value selected.5) The machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface (7) comprisesa tuning module (10) which can be used by the user (100), whileexercising, to vary the energy consumption of the motor (5) between amaximum value, at which the values of the operating parameterscorrespond to those of the basic pair, and a minimum value at which, atthe same exercise intensity, the incline of the exercise platform (3 a)has a predetermined maximum value, the processor (8) being designed toreceive said motor (5) energy consumption value set by the user, forcalculating the corresponding pair of values of the parameters andconsequently controlling the motor (5) and the actuator (6). 6) Themachine according to claim 1, wherein the interface (7) comprises one ormore control elements (11), which can be displayed to the user (100)during the exercise and can be selected by the user for setting thevalue of corresponding parameters, said parameters being selected fromthe following list: belt (3) movement speed; incline of the belt (3)exercise platform (3 a); motor (5) energy saving; exercise intensity. 7)The machine according to claim 6, wherein the processor (8) isprogrammed to determine the value of the remaining parameters dependingon a parameter set by the user (100) by means of the correspondingcontrol element (11), the interface (7) being designed to receive inreal time the values of said parameters and to display them for the user(100). 8) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein theprocessor (8) is programmed to calculate, depending on the alternativepair of values set and the basic pair of values, a value representativeof the motor (5) energy saving as a consequence of the setting of thealternative pair, compared with the energy consumption corresponding tothe basic pair, the interface (7) being set up to display to the user(100) said value representative of the energy saving. 9) The exercisemachine according to claim 1, wherein the processor (8) is programmed tocalculate, depending on the alternative pair of values selected, a valuerepresentative of the amount of carbon dioxide not emitted into theenvironment as a consequence of the setting of the alternative pair,compared with the basic pair, the interface (7) being set up to displayfor the user (100) said value representative of the carbon dioxide notemitted. 10) The exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein theprocessor (8) is designed to receive as an input the duration of theexercise and to calculate, depending on said duration, a motor (5)energy saving value and/or a carbon dioxide saving value for theexercise, for making said value calculated available to the user. 11)The exercise machine according to claim 10, wherein the processor (8) isprogrammed to add together the motor (5) energy saving value and/or thecarbon dioxide saving value for the exercise with a correspondingoverall motor (5) energy saving value and/or carbon dioxide saving valuefor the previous exercises, for updating the overall value at the end ofeach exercise, the interface (7) being designed to display to each user(100) at the end of each exercise session said overall motor (5) energysaving value and/or said overall carbon dioxide saving value. 12) Theexercise machine according to claim 1, comprising a switching unit (14)which can be selected by the user (100) for switching the machine (1)from an energy saving mode, in which the processor (8) calculates saidat least one alternative pair and allows the user (100) to select thecorresponding operating configuration, to a standard mode, in which theoperating parameters remain those of the basic pair, and vice versa; theswitching unit (14) being selectable at any time by the user (100). 13)The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the parameterrepresentative of the exercise intensity corresponds to user oxygenconsumption in the unit of time. 14) A method for performing an exerciseusing an exercise machine comprising a belt (3) forming an exerciseplatform (3 a) for a user (100) and trained around at least tworevolving rollers (4) driven by a motor (5), allowing the user (100) towalk or run on the spot, wherein it comprises the following steps:setting a basic pair of values for parameters consisting of a belt (3)movement speed and an exercise platform (3 a) incline; estimating avalue of the exercise intensity with the machine (1) in the basicoperating configuration; deriving at least one alternative pair ofvalues for the parameters, different to the basic pair and correspondingto an exercise intensity equal to the estimated value and to an energyconsumption by the motor (5) lower than that corresponding to the basicpair of values; selection by the user (100) of a machine operatingconfiguration corresponding to said at least one pair of values; settingthe machine in the corresponding operating configuration. 15) The methodaccording to claim 14, comprising the following steps: providing theuser (100) with a switching unit (14) selectable by the user (100)himself, before or during an exercise, for activating a motor (5) energysaving mode, the estimating, deriving, selecting and setting steps beingperformed in response to a selection of the energy saving mode using theswitching unit. 16) The method according to claim 14, comprising thesteps of: displaying, during the exercise, values relating to aplurality of parameters, said parameters being selected from thefollowing list: belt (3) movement speed; incline of the belt (3)exercise platform (3 a); motor (5) energy saving; exercise intensity.17) The method according to claim 16, comprising the steps of: selectionby the user (100) of a first of said parameters as the fixed parameter,the value of that parameter selected remaining constant in subsequentcalculations; setting by the user (100) of the value of a second of saidparameters, thus defining a control parameter; calculation of the valueof the remaining parameters depending on the value of the fixedparameter and on the value set for the control parameter. 18) The methodaccording to claim 17, comprising a step of setting of the machine (1)in the operating configuration corresponding to the parameter valuescalculated, in real time, and/or a step of displaying for the user thevalues calculated for said parameters.